The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory is a valuably unlisted former Old Rectory which sits in an elevated position with views across immaculate gardens and fields towards Highclere church. The rectory is thought to date back to late Victorian era and was associated with the Highclere Estate, recently famed as the setting for the Downton Abbey television series and films. The Old Rectory is a spacious and light filled property with large pane windows, providing delightful views across the beautifully designed and maintained gardens. The drawing room, with open fireplace, is a charming shape benefiting from a bay window with high windows either side of French doors giving access to the gardens. There is also an impressive rectangular dining room, again with an open fireplace, and large windows. There is a spacious sitting room in addition to the drawing room with windows on two sides, maximizing the views from the house. The kitchen breakfast room is currently in the centre of the house and there is scope to alter the layout of the property to create a more modern and open plan kitchen suited to modern tastes. The house is linked to the annexe via a large integral garage which is ripe for conversion into a superb living space. Subject to necessary consents. There are five bedrooms and five bathrooms on the first floor. The principal bedroom benefits from the lovely bay window which is replicated below in the drawing room. The annexe offers versatility to the accusation and has two bedrooms, a sitting room and kitchen.

The property is situated in Highclere, a popular village on the Hampshire/Berkshire borders. The village has an active local community, and benefits from a pub, a beautiful church and excellent schools in Highclere itself and the surrounding villages. The area is well known for its stunning countryside, being on the edge of the Ridgeway Trail and in an AONB, yet is also easily accessible to London. The market town of Newbury provides extensive shopping and leisure facilities, including Newbury racecourse and the Watermill Theatre. Transport & Schools Newbury benefits from a mainline station with trains into London Paddington. The smaller town of Whitchurch is 12 miles away with a fast train service into London Waterloo. Access to the national road network is very good via the A34 linking with the M4 and A303. There are excellent schools in the area, including St Thomas’ Woolton Hill, St Martin’s East Woodhay, Thorngrove, Horris Hill, Cheam, Marlborough College and Downe House.

The gardens and grounds at The Old Rectory extend to approximately 3.5 acres and are a real asset. The property has excellent views from the house over the grounds and the design incorporated mature trees and shrubs selected to give year round interest. Early in the year there is a delightful meadow of naturalised daffodils and this progresses as a wild flower meadow. There are neatly clipped lawns and paths meandering through the property and there are a series of established ponds with fountains creating a focus of attention to one side of the garden. Beyond the garden are neighbouring fields which abut Highclere Church.

Marketed by: Strutt & Parker, Newbury